EXAM PROCEDURES FOR

ALL
APICS CREDENTIALS
 The APICS Exam Handbook

Table of Contents
Introduction 2

Code of Ethics and Conduct 3

Exam Information and Pricing 4

Purchasing an Exam 5

Scheduling and Rescheduling an Exam 6

*NEW* OnVUE Online Proctored Exams 7

On the Day of the Exam 9

After the Exam 11

Whom Should I Contact? 12

1
Introduction
The APICS Exam Handbook outlines all of the processes, policies and procedures regarding APICS credentialing
programs. The Handbook will guide you through the process of applying for, purchasing, scheduling and sitting
for an APICS exam, as well as maintaining your certification and obtaining your certificate after successfully
earning your credential. APICS candidates should read through the Exam Handbook in its entirety before
applying for or purchasing an APICS exam. Candidates are encouraged to visit their MY ACCOUNT page
frequently to remain aware of their exam and credential statuses and expiration dates.

The MY ACCOUNT page contains the following credentialing information and resources:
▪ Authorization to Test (ATT) status and expiration date
▪ Exam credit status and expiration date
▪ Credential status and expiration date
▪ Certification Maintenance Application
▪ Exam eligibility status and application
▪ Certificate Request Form
▪ Order History
▪ Exam History Report
▪ Certification Verification Report
▪ Certification Recognition Letter
▪ Add your designation to LinkedIn

2
Code of Ethics and Conduct

APICS Code of Ethics

▪ Maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct.
▪ Not misrepresent your qualifications, experience, or education to APICS or others you serve in a professional
capacity.
▪ Respect and not violate the United States Copyright of all APICS materials, including but not limited to
courseware, magazine articles and other APICS publications, APICS conference presentations, and
examination resources. In this same spirit, you must not violate the copyright of other organizations and
individuals in your professional capacity.
▪ Abide by all of APICS’ published exam bulletins and exam procedures, including all of the rules and
regulations of any third party that administers an APICS examination.
▪ Not engage in or sanction any exploitation of one’s membership, company, or profession.
▪ Encourage and cooperate in the interchange of knowledge and techniques for the mutual benefit of the
profession.
▪ In your professional capacity, respect the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals. You must
demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, individual, and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race,
ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socio-economic status.
▪ In your professional capacity, not engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to others based on
factors including, but not limited to, age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation,
disability, language, or socio-economic status.
▪ Adhere to this Code of Ethics and its application to your professional work. Lack of awareness or
misunderstanding of an ethical standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct.
▪ Contact APICS’ Legal Department when uncertain whether a particular situation or course of action violates
this Code of Ethics.
▪ Not to become the subject of public disrepute, contempt, or scandal that affects your image or goodwill.

Failure to abide by the APICS Code of Ethics policy may result in sanctions up to and including decertification.

Misconduct
The test center manager is authorized to dismiss candidates from a test session for the following reasons:

▪ creating a disturbance
▪ giving or receiving help
▪ using notes, books, wristwatch calculators, digital assistants, electronic dictionaries or other aids
▪ using electronic devices, including mobile phones
▪ attempting to remove scratch paper from the testing room
▪ attempting to tamper with the computer
▪ attempting to remove test questions (in any format) from the testing room
▪ failing to follow the test center manager’s directions
▪ sharing exam content

In addition, because the entire question data bank, the exam form and all exam materials are copyrighted and
are the legal property of APICS, legal action may be taken against anyone who violates the copyright laws by
distributing examination content or materials through any form of reproduction. Oral, written or electronic
communication during the exam is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.

If a candidate engages in any of these forms of misconduct, at a minimum their exam will not be scored, their
fees will not be refunded, and they will be prevented from retaking the exam for a minimum of six months.
Furthermore, APICS shall review acts of misconduct which may result in:

▪ cancellation of the candidate’s prior or current exam scores

▪ revocation of the candidate’s certification
▪ discontinuation of the candidate’s membership

3
Exam Information and Pricing

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

The APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program is recognized worldwide as the
standard in production and inventory control. Candidates must pass two CPIM exams within three years in
order to become certified. demonstrating competency in production and inventory management, one of the
most critical functions within an organization for achieving and maintaining a competitive edge.

Candidates who have a current Basics of Supply Chain Management exam completion (discontinued in 2018)
as indicated in their exam history may complete the CPIM Part 2 exam to earn their CPIM certification.
Alternatively, candidates who have a current exam result as indicated in their exam history for all of the
following; Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Master Planning of Resources, Execution and Control of
Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources may take the CPIM Part 1 exam to earn their CPIM.

Exam information and pricing for the CPIM program can be found on the following page:
CPIM exam information and pricing Candidates should contact their local APICS partner for information on
discounted exam pricing and promotions, and can visit apics.org/partnerfinder to find a partner in their area.

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) program is recognized worldwide as the premier supply
chain management educational and certification program. The APICS CSCP program takes a broad view of
operations, extending beyond internal operations to encompass the entire supply chain—from supplier,
through the company, to the end consumer. It provides professionals with the knowledge necessary to
understand and manage the integration and coordination of end-to-end supply chain activities.

Exam information and pricing for the CSCP program can be found on the following pages:
North America/Outside North America. Candidates should contact their local APICS partner for information on
discounted exam pricing and promotions, and can visit apics.org/partnerfinder to find a partner in their area.

Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)

The APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) program is the premier logistics
educational and certification program that provides a comprehensive body of knowledge that sets the global
standard for logistics best practices for professionals in the logistics, transportation and distribution industries.

Exam information and pricing for the CLTD program can be found on the following page:
CLTD exam information and pricing. Candidates should contact their local APICS partner for information on
discounted exam pricing and promotions, and can visit apics.org/partnerfinder to find a partner in their area.

Supply Chain Operations Reference Professional (SCOR-P)

The APICS SCOR-P designation is awarded to those individuals who have successfully completed an
examination that demonstrates mastery of the SCOR model, which enables them to effectively apply
techniques for managing and measuring the performance of an organizations global supply chain.

Information on the SCOR-P exam and training can be found on the following page: SCOR Professional Training

4
Purchasing an Exam
Member pricing will be determined by member status on the APICS system at the time the Authorization to Test
(ATT) form is completed. Member price will not be applied retroactively. Exam fees are non-transferable and
non-refundable. Rates are subject to change. Local taxes will apply. Candidates must purchase their ATT in the
region for which they will be testing. For example, a candidate purchasing an ATT outside of North America may
only test at an exam center outside of North America and vice versa.

Purchasing an Authorization to Test (ATT)

Candidates are able to purchase APICS exams through the Authorization to Test (ATT) form at apics.org/att.
Candidates must schedule and complete their exam prior to their ATT’s month expiration date. If the ATT
expires without being used to schedule an exam, the candidate forfeits the exam fee. All ATTs are non-
refundable and non-transferable.

If you wish to download a copy of your invoice or receipt, please follow the steps below:

• Login with your username and password at www.apics.org

• Click on MY ACCOUNT
• Navigate to the Order History box on the MY ACCOUNT page
• Locate the order # you would like a copy of
• Click the order # link
• You will arrive on the order confirmation page
• Click Download Invoice (clicking the "Download Invoice" button will generate a PDF of this order)

Exam Credits
Candidates may receive an exam credit from a partner as part of their class registration or through the
purchase of a CPIM or CLTD bundle. Candidates who have exam credits must redeem them to purchase an
ATT for their exam before the exam credit’s expiration date as indicated in a candidate’s MY ACCOUNT. Exam
credits cannot be extended, are non-refundable, are non-transferable, and do not hold cash value. Exam
credits that are not redeemed by their expiration date are consumed by expiration and forfeit.

Eligibility
Candidates must have an approved eligibility application on file in order to purchase an ATT for the APICS CSCP
or CLTD exam. The CPIM and SCOR-P exams do not have eligibility requirements at this time. To be eligible for
the CSCP or CLTD, a candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

▪ hold a conferred bachelor’s degree or equivalent

▪ hold an APICS CPIM, APICS CIRM, APICS CSCP, APICS SCOR-P, APICS CLTD, APICS CTL, APICS CPIM-F, APICS
CLTD-F, APICS CSCP-F, C.P.M., CPSM or CSM designation
▪ possess at least three years of related business experience

Eligibility Application process

▪Candidates must complete the online application at apics.org/eligibility prior to purchasing their ATT.
▪Candidates will receive immediate status notification upon submission of application.

APICS reserves the right to randomly audit candidates’ qualifications and experience prior to approval.
Candidates who have been randomly chosen for audit will also receive an immediate notification when applying
along with detailed audit application instructions.

5
Scheduling and Rescheduling an Exam
Scheduling an exam
Candidates will be immediately redirected to the Pearson VUE scheduling system after an ATT is purchased with a
credit card, PayPal, or an exam credit. Candidates may opt to take an APICS exam at a test center by selecting At a
local test center during the scheduling process. APICS encourages all candidates to schedule their examinations
immediately after purchasing their ATT in order to ensure seat availability. Candidates will only be able to select an
exam date that falls within their ATT validity period.

Upon scheduling the exam(s), candidates will receive a confirmation notice from Pearson VUE via email. It is the
candidate’s responsibility to review the information within the confirmation notice to ensure they are registered for
the correct test, at the correct site and on the correct date. If there are any errors or if no confirmation notice is
received, the candidate must contact Pearson VUE directly.

Scheduling Instructions
Candidates can access the scheduling/rescheduling function for their exams online at any time through their MY
ACCOUNT by following instructions below:

• Login into the APICS website

• Click on MY ACCOUNT
• Scroll down to the Exam Authorization and Credits section
• Select the schedule/reschedule option next to your exam.

If candidates are unable to use the online scheduling tool, they may contact Pearson VUE directly by phone to
schedule or reschedule their appointment. In addition to the $45 USD rescheduling fee, an additional $10 USD fee
may apply.

You must schedule all exam appointments through Pearson VUE by phone or via your MY ACCOUNT. Do not contact a
test center directly for scheduling/rescheduling.

Rescheduling an exam
Once an exam authorization is scheduled, appointments can only be rescheduled and cannot be canceled.

Candidates who need to reschedule their exam appointment can make modifications directly in their MY ACCOUNT
under the Exam Authorization and Credits section or by calling Pearson VUE directly. There is a non-refundable USD
$45 rescheduling fee. Candidates must reschedule more than 24 hours before their scheduled exam appointment.
If the candidate does not sit for the test, the exam fees are forfeit. ASCM does not accept reschedule requests.

6
New* OnVUE Online Proctored Exams
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ASCM in collaboration with Pearson VUE is temporarily launching a
new online exam delivery option (OnVUE) to allow candidates to take an APICS exam either at a Pearson VUE
testing center or in the comfort of their own home or office.

All OnVUE exams should be treated similar to an exam at a test center. OnVUE exams require zero
interruptions or the proctor may terminate the exam. Please review the APICS OnVUE Exam Delivery Page for
more information and pertinent policies for more information.

Scheduling an OnVUE APICS Exam

Candidates may opt to take an APICS exam using the new OnVUE system by selecting At my home or office
during the scheduling process. If you choose to test at home or at your office, you will need to commit to the
online delivery option. You will not be able to reschedule at a test center after scheduling an exam under this
option.

Detailed instructions for scheduling an OnVUE online proctored exam can be found in the Online Proctored
Exam Scheduling Tutorial on the ASCM website.

System Requirements
Prior to scheduling an OnVUE online proctored exam, candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the APICS
OnVUE Exam Delivery Page on the Pearson VUE website for information about system requirements and to run
a system test on the same computer and network they intend to use on their exam day. To conduct a system
test, please click here.

If an interruption occurs during an OnVUE online proctored exam as a result of problems caused by a
candidate’s computer or network connection, the test will be terminated and the exam fee forfeit.

Please note that you must have permissions on your computer to download the necessary OnVUE software. If
your computer is locked by your office administrator, please contact them to determine if you are able to
download the OnVUE software.

Check-In and Testing Process

Candidates taking an APICS exam using the OnVUE online delivery platform are encouraged to start the check-
in process 30 minutes before their exam time. Candidates will be asked to download the OnVUE smartphone
app to upload a headshot photo and will be asked to submit pictures of the area in which they will be testing
for review by the testing administrator. Once the check-in process is complete, the exam will begin once the
proctor arrives.

Below is a short video walkthrough of the check-in and testing process including how to start the exam.
Candidates may visit the APICS OnVUE Exam Delivery Page to access their Pearson VUE account to start the
check-in process.

7
Breaks
Breaks are not permitted during OnVUE online proctored exams. If a candidate leaves the testing
administrators sight, the exam will be terminated and exam fees forfeit.

Country Restrictions
Certain government regulations may apply in your area and restrict us from providing you with an online option
(including but not limited to China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Slovenia, Japan and Syrian Arab Republic
Syria). Until government restrictions are lifted in those areas, we are not authorized to provide online proctored
exams.

Prohibited Items
Candidates taking an OnVUE online proctored exam will not be allowed to be within arm’s reach of the following
items;
• Books
• Notepads (an online whiteboard will be provided in the testing application for you to type any notes)
• Sticky notes
• Calculators (an onscreen calculator will be provided in the testing application for your use)
• Papers
• Pens
• Pencils
• Other writing instruments/objects.

Additional monitors and computers must be unplugged and turned off. Items on the wall with writing on them,
such as whiteboards, will be inspected. If the workspace does not pass a room scan, you will not be permitted
to proceed with taking the exam. If the proctor identifies a restricted item within the testing area during the
exam, they will ask the candidate to put the item away and test session may be terminated at the proctor’s
discretion.

8
On the day of the exam
Reporting to the test center
Candidates must check in at the test center no later than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment.
Candidates who arrive past this time may be refused admission to the test center and may lose their exam
appointment. Furthermore, they may be considered a no-show and may forfeit the full exam fee. We
recommend that you become aware of the route and location of your exam site prior to your scheduled
appointment.

Accessing an online proctored (OnVUE) exam

Candidates can begin the check-in process for their online exam as early as 30 minutes prior to their exam
appointment. To begin the exam check-in process, candidates should access their MY ACCOUNT and click the
“Reschedule” option next to their online exam under the My APICS Certifications section. They will then be
taken to the Pearson VUE site to begin their exam check-in.

What to have
Candidates must bring a valid primary identification, bearing a future expiration date that includes a recent
photograph and signature:
▪ driver’s license (except in China)
▪ passport
▪ military ID
▪ state ID
▪ company ID (except in China)

They also must bring a valid secondary identification that includes their signature*:
▪ credit card
▪ check cashing card
▪ citizenship card
▪ another ID from the primary list
*For candidates taking their exam online via OnVUE, only the primary identification is required.

The test center staff verifies only the first and last name on the IDs provided to ensure they match the first and
last name on the exam registration. No temporarily issued or expired identification is accepted. Candidates who
do not bring these items on exam day or whose name on the registration does not match their IDs will be
denied admission to the examination. They will be considered a no-show and will forfeit the full exam fee.

Candidates who do not have a primary ID that meets the above requirements due to local standards should
contact exams@apics.org for assistance at least ten (10) full business days prior to their scheduled exam.

If a name change is required after the ATT is purchased, candidates must contact ASCM Customer Relations at
support@ascm.org at least two business days prior to their scheduled exam. Candidates must submit a copy of
the primary identification they are planning to use to support this change.

Permitted items for exams administered at a Pearson VUE test center

An online computer calculator is available during each computer-based exam but bringing a simple
nonprogrammable calculator into the exam room is also permitted.

English-native language translation books are the only written materials candidates may bring into the exam
room.* These books should contain only the literal translation of English words and should not include a
description of the meaning of the word. The test center manager will inspect these books before candidates
are admitted to the testing room.

What not to bring

▪ APICS Dictionary in any language
▪ books or papers of any kind
▪ protractors, compasses, rulers, stencils, digital assistants or other aids
▪ electronic devices of any kind, including mobile phones and electronic dictionaries, glasses with a light or
electronic component
▪ food, drinks or tobacco
▪ visitors
9
Test security
Testing is monitored through the use of one or more of the following: a viewing window, a video monitor or a
sound-monitoring device in the room. Testing sessions may be photographed or videotaped to ensure the
integrity of the APICS certification process. If an issue occurs during your exam, notify your proctor immediately.

Breaks
No breaks are scheduled during the exam. If a candidate must leave the room during the exam, they must
notify the test center manager. Timing will not stop during a break. Breaks are not permitted for OnVUE online
proctored exams.

No-show policy
No-show candidates forfeit the exam fees. Candidates are considered a no-show on the day of their scheduled
exam if they:
▪ fail to reschedule or cancel their exam appointment within the appropriate time frame
▪ choose not to keep their exam appointment
▪ have a name on their identifications information that does not match the name they registered with and/or
the name APICS has on file, and they are not allowed in the testing room
▪ arrive late for their exam
▪ fail to bring two forms of acceptable identification to the exam*
*only one form of primary identification is required for OnVUE exams
▪ fail to begin the check-in process for a scheduled OnVUE exam within 15 minutes of their scheduled appointment

Test center closures

If the test center closes, Pearson VUE will contact the candidate to reschedule the exam at no additional
charge. Candidates can also contact Pearson VUE directly to inquire about test center closures.
Please see the APICS Inclement Weather and Natural Disaster Policy, for information on weather related test
center closures.

Emergencies
If candidates miss a scheduled exam appointment for any of the reasons below, contact Pearson VUE within 10
business days of the exam date at www.pearsonvue.com/apics/contact. Candidates must request to have an
incident report opened to document the emergency situation. The call center representative will provide an
incident number as well as a fax number to send in the required documentation. Candidates must submit
written documentation, in English, in order to have their request reviewed. APICS cannot accept any
documentation, all documentation must be submitted to Pearson VUE.

Only the following are acceptable reasons for missing a scheduled exam:
▪ a serious illness (either candidate or an immediate family member*). General or minor sickness does not
qualify. Medical documentation is required for verification purposes.
▪ the death of an immediate family member
▪ a disabling traffic accident
▪ a court appearance or jury duty
▪ unexpected military duty
*Immediate family members include the following individuals:
• spouse
• children
• siblings
• parents (including mother in-law/father-in law)
• grandparents

Examples of acceptable documentation include:

▪ a letter from a physician on letterhead, including title, address and phone number
▪ a death notice, obituary
▪ documentation from a court or the military

Please contact Pearson VUE directly if you miss or will miss a scheduled appointment due to an emergency.
Candidates who have an approved emergency will receive an updated ATT or will be rescheduled. No refunds of
the exam fees will be issued.

10
After the Exam
Score report
At the end of the exam, candidates will receive a printed score report that includes the candidate’s name, exam
title, score, and pass or fail information. Please be sure to complete all components of the exam, including the
post exam survey and properly exit the exam to ensure your results are properly submitted. If no score report is
received prior to leaving the testing center, candidates are able to print their score report directly from their MY
ACCOUNT by following the instructions below.

▪ Login with your username and password at www.apics.org

▪ Click on MY ACCOUNT
▪ Scroll down to the Exam Authorization and Credits heading
▪ Locate the exam and to the right, click View/Modify or Reschedule (whichever is listed)
▪ You will be directed to the Pearson VUE website.
▪ Click on the Home link at top of page
▪ Click on View Score Reports
▪ Click on View to access your score report

Please note that any score report printing issues are with the test center printer and have no impact on test
results.

APICS credential certificate

Candidates who have earned an APICS designation are eligible to obtain a certificate. Notification will be sent
via email to qualified candidates within 24 hours of completing the exam with detailed instructions on how to
obtain their certificate. Candidates can choose from two delivery options in their MY ACCOUNT:

▪ Download an electronic certificate at no charge and print locally.

▪ Request a printed certificate. The first requested certificate is complimentary (shipping fees may apply)
depending on candidate shipping selection.

New certifications and exam results are updated daily. Please allow up to 24 hours for your results to be
posted and applicable certificates to become available in MY ACCOUNT.

How to earn and keep the designation

Candidates are required to maintain the designation every five years. More information about maintenance is
available at apics.org/maintenance.

Lifetime certification
Individuals at least 62 years of age or older who have a current certification are eligible to convert their
certification to lifetime. Converting the certification to a lifetime designation eliminates the need to renew the
certification every 5 years through the Certification Maintenance program and resets the certification expiration
date to lifetime. Candidates whose certification is suspended or expired must bring their certification to good
standing before lifetime certification is granted.

Individuals who meet lifetime requirements must notify APICS in writing at certification@apics.org of their
interest in being converted to lifetime status and must provide proof of age (driver’s license, birth certificate or
passport). There is no fee for this status change. Once approved, candidates are no longer required to maintain
the designation.

Credential verification
This online service located on the Credential Verification page will provide the public, prospective employers
and other stakeholders with a way to verify an individual’s certification status. Candidates may also view and
print their own credential verification by accessing their MY ACCOUNT. APICS credential verification is
designed to:

▪ Elevate the credibility of APICS certification in the marketplace

▪ Comply with industry best practice standards for publicizing certification credentials
▪ Protect the value of the credential for all our designees

11
Retaking the exams
Candidates who fail an APICS exam must wait 14 full days before retaking the same exam. Candidates may
test on the 15th day following their last exam (the day of the exam does not count toward to the 14 days).
There are no exceptions to this policy.

Appeals policy
Candidates who would like to dispute an APICS Certification action, decision, or determination must request a
formal appeal at certification@apics.org. The appeals application fee is $150.00 (USD) and is non-refundable.

APICS Privacy Policy

In applying for APICS Certification Programs, you consent to APICS disclosure of Certification Information to
third parties. Moreover, in applying for APICS Certification Programs you acknowledge and waive any and all
rights to opt out of our collection and distribution of your Certification information, and you further agree that
APICS has no liability for providing this information. To view the detailed APICS Privacy policy, please click here.

For frequently asked questions, please visit APICS Credential FAQs.

12
Whom should I contact?
Contact ASCM Customer Relations at 1-800-444-2742 or 1-773-867-1777 or support@ascm.org if you

▪ have a question about a payment method

▪ need information about an APICS credential program
▪ have problems completing the Authorization to Test Request Form
▪ have problems downloading your APICS electronic certificate
▪ need to make a name change after the ATT was issued

Contact Pearson VUE's online customer service if you

▪ need help scheduling your exam (and are unable to access your MY ACCOUNT)
▪ missed your scheduled exam for emergency reasons
▪ want to reschedule or cancel your exam test date (and are unable to access your MY ACCOUNT)
▪ have a question about or correction to your confirmation notice
▪ wonder if your exam has been canceled because of bad weather
▪ need assistance with unresolved scheduling problems
▪ need special accommodations for an exam
▪ have a complaint about a test center or a testing experience

Contact your local APICS partner if you

▪ want to become a joint member

▪ want to purchase an exam credit

Contact APICS at exams@apics.org if you

▪ need help with any unresolved testing problems

Contact APICS at certification@apics.org if you

▪ have questions regarding the APICS Certification Maintenance program

All pricing, policies and procedures in this document are subject to change